Eligibility

The Victims of Communism Day scholarship competition is open to students living in Manatee, County, in grades 9-12. They need to be enrolled in a public, private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States, its territories and possessions, or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools.

Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application for which has not been denied) and intends to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. Foreign exchange students, students age 20 or over, previous Voice of Democracy first place state winners, GED or Adult Education Students are ineligible.

The VOC Manatee Scholarship has three categories:

1. Essay
2. Exhibit
3. Oratory

Your written Victims of Communism Day entry must be submitted online by the October 19 deadline. Exhibits and Oratory presentations will be at the West Bradenton Baptist Church, Family Life Center 1305 43rd St. St. W Bradenton, FL on October 19, 2024 starting at 10:00am.

How to Enter

Record your original 3-5 minute (+ or – 5 second max.) audio essay on a flash drive, or other electronic device. You will submit the recording, typed essay and this completed entry form. Provide these items to your school/group competition coordinator for judging.

You must be the sole author of your essay. The recording must be in your own voice and in English. No music, singing, poetry or sound effects are allowed. The body of the essay must not identify you in any way, (including, but not limited to your name, school, city, state, race, or national origin) although the recording and typed essay should be labeled with your name, to show ownership. Your Victims of Communism Day entry must be submitted to your scholarship competition coordinator by the October 28 deadline.

Judging Criteria

Originality is worth 30 points: Treatment of the theme should show imagination and human interest.

Content is worth 35 points: Clearly express your ideas in an organized manner. Fully develop your theme and use transitions to move smoothly from one idea to the other.

Delivery is worth 35 points: Speak in a clear and credible manner.